Janelle Monáe’s Wondaland Pictures Inks Deal With Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures announces they have entered into a first-look production deal with Janelle Monáe’s Wondaland Pictures. This soldifies her relationship with Universal as she stars in 2 of their upcoming films, Welcome to Marwin, coming out December 21st and a Harriet Tubman documentary, Harriet, which will show in 2019.

The emphasis of the deal is to make projects that focuses on championing underrepresented voices and groundbreaking perspectives.

‘There is an exciting, artistic revolution taking place in our industry, and Janelle and the talented team at Wondaland are at the forefront,” Universal Pictures Chairman Donna Langley said in a statement. “Their forward-thinking, inclusive approach to content and storytelling make them a perfect fit for our studio.’

It Needs To BE CED

It Needs To BE CED

Who is BIG CED?

Before there was social media, you had Big Ced, a gatherer of people. He is more than a promoter or socialite. He hand picked people he liked or felt had some value and invited them to local bars, restaurants, night clubs, sporting events and various other places they probably had never been.

His ability to bring ground breaking thinkers, music artists, athletes, directors, models and moguls together is quite unique. Even in 2016, he continues to collect a eclectic group of movers and shakers.

I imagine he believes in you, before you believe in yourself.

He is a pioneering writer on the internet, before the word blogger and continues to use the platform to make social change.

Ralph McDanielsPresidentUncle Ralph Music and Film & Video Music BoxNew York, NY

Well… outside of having the worst jokes I’ve ever heard, Big Ced to me is what I would call “The Mayor of New York”.
Ced knows everyone and everyone knows Ced. Now.. just because everyone knows him doesn’t mean everyone likes him… lol

Big Ced is a writer, a journalist, a website content creator.. and did I mention he has the worst jokes ever?

DJ BabeAll Format DJDetroit, Michigan

Big Ced is an OG cool guy who has been through hip hop history and witnessed the birth of a culture.

Casey GaneFreelance Journalist, Musician, FilmmakerNew York, NY

I’ve known Big CED for almost 20 years now, and what I like about him most is that he’s still the same person now that he was back then! In this business it’s hard to find genuine people, especially because the power of one’s network along with success and money can often times change someone’s character. But not CED, he is one of the most coolest people I know, and is also the only guy that I can call a smart-ass, but in a cool way (haha). In addition, CED is very opinionated, he’s a realist, and you always know where you stand with him.

#Positive I think Big Ced is one of the most honest, passionate and sincere people in the music industry. It’s rare that I come across people who I genuinely admire and respect but he’s one of them. In a world full of hate, he shows nothing but love.

Donny GoinesCEOAmbitious VenturesNew York, NY

He’s this guy from the Bronx who when I first REALLY met him, he was working with my girl Michelle Murray at this Video company called “Classic Concepts”. He came down Howard University between 1989 and1991. Mark Pitts said “Kamal, this is my man Ced”. From that point on all I remember was that he kept talking and was a little hyped because by this point they were THE video makers at the time and he had his little tight Classic Concept jacket on lol. I never liked the jacket anyway, so I left the conversation lol.

Fast forward through the 90’s, whether it was the music industry, events that I did and he attended or vice versa, or events, parties, functions that I saw him at, he and I have become good friends. We ran in the same circles. He’s never at a loss for words, not one – EVER. Always has something comical to say. Genuinely a good brother!

In more recent years, he has established a good internet presence, he’s a talented marketer, a good connector of people, and still creates so…

I’ve been in the industry since Hip Hop was a pup. I met Cedric many moons ago as he began working. Simply said, Cedric aka Big Ced, always had follow through and is a stand up guy. He’s always been honest, but no Boy Scout and definitely not a sucker! He always had a great pen, and his love for hip hop always shined through…

Big Ced…real good man!

Troy SheltonCo-Founder/CEOForthright Entertainment

The Best GUY Ever.

Janice I.TorresOwnerTHE BRAND PHOENIX, INC.New York, NY

Big Ced is an influencer who always has something that needs to be said about like-minded folk. This compassionate, helpful individual is the industry’s best friend as he co-signs our projects, giving us additional platforms for exposure

I’ve known Ced for over 20 years he was a Roadie for the Stylistics ..

No but in all reality Ced is one of my oldest friends from when hiphop was fun and not about skinny jeans and rhymes about Bologna. He comes from a period where we were a community of creative people a magical era where we actually danced and looked forward to being fly not microwave shit like we listen too now. He is definitely a historian of our culture and just a all around GREAT dude . Proud to say he is my friend a real friend . No Hollywood shit with him at all .. Hey Ced just stop wearing corduroy suits in the rain and drinking Long Island Ice Teas with no Ice …